Jul 14, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Kathy Cahill, Lee County Parks & Recreation
                239-461-7447

LEE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION JOINS WITH PRESIDENT BUSH'S COUNCIL ON SERVICE AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION TO DELIVER PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

(Prestigious Award Honors Outstanding Commitment to Volunteer Service)

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 14, 2005) - Lee County Parks and Recreation today announced it has teamed with the White House to become a Certifying Organization for the PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service.

Established in 2003, the AWARD was created by President George W. Bush to give Presidential recognition to individuals, families and groups who meet requirements for volunteer service, measured by the number of service hours performed over 12 months.

Lee County Parks and Recreation is one of thousands of organizations that have joined forces to deliver the PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD and honor the volunteers who strengthen our Nation.  As a Certifying Organization for the AWARD, Lee County Parks and Recreation is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the AWARD.
 
"We are extremely proud to recognize our most outstanding volunteers with the PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD," said John Yarbrough, Lee County Parks and Recreation Director.  "Lee County Parks and Recreation volunteers are role models in our community, donating their time, energy and talent to bring us closer together as neighbors and a Nation. The AWARD is our way of thanking these volunteers and inspiring everyone in our community to make volunteering a central part of their lives."
 
"Even if you've never volunteered before, the PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD is within your reach," said Kathy Cahill, Lee County Parks and Recreation Volunteer Service Coordinator. "There are so many ways to contribute, and every volunteer hour makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others.  We encourage everyone to get involved and to bring along your family, friends and neighbors.  Together, we can strengthen America - one hour at a time."

The AWARD is issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group convened by President George W. Bush to help foster and encourage a culture of volunteer service and civic participation among Americans.  Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council is composed of leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofit and volunteer service organizations and community volunteering.

For more information about volunteering with Lee County Parks and Recreation contact us at 239-461-7447 or kcahill@leegov.com. For more information on the PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.

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